Biography: FCC Samuel Kipe, USN (Ret)

  Chief Samuel Kipe, native of Frostproof, Florida, he enlisted in the United States Navy April 06, 2004. After completing recruit training at Great Lakes, IL. After completing recruit training, he transferred to Naval Education Training Center in Great Lakes, IL for Advance Electronic Computer Field & Fire Controlman “A” School training. After completing Fire Controlman “A” School in October 2004, he transferred for his first tour of duty to USS HALSEY (DDG-97) in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

While onboard the USS HALSEY, Chief Kipe was advanced to the rank of Fire Controlman Second Class Petty Officer, relocated the USS HALSEY to San Diego, CA, got called to serve onboard USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93) to assist with their deployment due to his experience and expertise with Vessel Visit, Board, Search, & Seizure dealing with counter drug operations, personnel trafficking, and much more. From 2005 to 2008, Chief Kipe deployed twice with the USS HALSEY and once with the USS CHUNG-HOON.

In 2008, Chief Kipe reported to Naval Recruiting Command, in Pensacola, FL, for schooling and then transferred to Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis, MN and stationed Bismarck, ND earning numerous awards for recruiting and station management due to his responsibility of over 75,000 square miles and was advanced to the rank of Fire Controlman First Class Petty Officer. After completing a successful tour in recruiting, in November 2012, Chief Kipe then reported to the PCU SOMERSET (LPD-25) in New Orleans, LA where he served as the Leading Petty Officer for Combat Systems CM Division and Training Department and later serving as the Combat Systems Departmental LPO, Combat Systems Maintenance Manager, and Combat Systems Officer Of The Watch.

In August 2018, Chief Kipe next served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer of Navy Recruiting Station New Bern, NC, and Assistant Divisional Chief Petty Officer for Division 9 at Navy Recruiting District Raleigh. During this tour of recruiting, Chief Kipe reached pinnacles that have never been seen from a small recruiting stations by producing numerous Recruiter of the Years not only for the District, but for the Nation receiving awards and recognition from the Commander of Navy Recruiting Command for high station performance.

In December 2020, he reported to the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron / USS BELOIT in Mayport, Florida and later transferred to Navy Recruiting Station Port Charlotte, FL due to a family emergency until his retirement in May 2024. During this time, Chief Kipe found a love for the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at North Port High School applied for the vacant Naval Science Instructor position earning spot by eagerly becoming Level II Volunteer and pursue Long-Term Substitute Instructor for Sarasota County School Board / North Port High School NJROTC.

His personal awards and achievements include earning a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Santa Fe State College in Gainesville, Florida. He also holds certifications in Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer, Professional & Kindred Counseling, Armory Technician, Computer Operator, Homeland Security Level I-III, Disaster Preparedness CDP-I, Marksmanship Instructor, and more!